Charge cards can give great rewards, provided they are used with care and control. Other people who don’t use bank cards wisely deal with unexpected, large bills. You would be wise to continue reading so you can get some great ideas about how to find the best cards and how to utilize those you already have in the right way.

In terms of a retail store’s credit options, you should never get a card with them unless you’re a loyal, regular customer. When a store runs a credit check to see if you qualify for a card, it shows up on your credit report, even if you ultimately decide not to open an account. Too many inquiries into your credit history will be a red flag to possible lenders and will lower your overall credit score.

When you charge something online, print a copy of the receipt. Keep the receipt in a secure location, and when your credit card bill arrives, check that the online retailer charged you the right amount for the item that you purchased. If the company did not charge you the right amount, get in contact with the company and immediately file a dispute. This method ensures that you are always charged the correct amount on all of your purchases.

Credit Card

Never lend your credit card to a family member or friend. It may be a friend that needs it for something, but it is never a good idea to give your credit card to anyone. This can lead to overcharges and unauthorized spending.

Don’t make any credit purchases with suspicious vendors. Check to see if the company has posted a physical address on the site for their operations. You might also want to call phone numbers listed on the website to verify they are still active.

You can still benefit greatly from even the most basic card that offers no perks. People who do not use the credit information presented here may have short term gratification, but could have stress for years from unpaid debt. Use what you have learned from the tips above to help you to become a happy credit card owner.

There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in the Bronx , New York where you can make the most impact on education in the community.